[Gfoss] [Fwd: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] ECW License question]

[Paolo Cavallini]

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Questo e' molto rilevante (grezie a Luca Casagrande): se capisco bene,
in sostanza non si puo' usare GDAL con il supporto ad ECW se non per
scopi amatoriali.
Questo andrebbe fatto presente agli enti che lo usano.
Saluti.
pc

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Having recently spoken to ermapper about the ecw license, they are aware
the license is problematic for foss.  The underlying problem is some
patents held by third parties which means they are not able to
distribute freely.  Good to see the software patent system is helping
innovation.  Again.  Essentially, if the software is used commercially,
they want a license fee.

My reading of the license is that it is internally inconsistent and
vague.  When I put this to ermapper, they agreed.  They have had trouble
finding a set of words that works.  They are aware that an osi approved
license would solve the problem, but are unable to do so.

I realise this doesn't answer your question, but it's the best help I
can give.

Tim Bowden
Mapforge Geospatial
- --
Paolo Cavallini
email+jabber: cavallini at faunalia.it
www.faunalia.it
Piazza Garibaldi 5 - 56025 Pontedera (PI), Italy   Tel: (+39)348-3801953
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